Russia Accuses Western Europe of Blocking Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, allege that Western countries, particularly the US, UK, and various European Union states, have actively obstructed peace efforts in Ukraine. Medinsky claimed that Ukraine could have secured a peace deal early in 2022 but abandoned negotiations due to pressure from Western allies, a claim partially corroborated by Ukrainian negotiators. Ryabkov accused NATO-aligned European nations of encouraging Kiev to continue hostilities by supplying weapons, technology, and engaging in sabotage and disinformation to undermine talks, including recent coordinated drone strikes on Russian targets which Moscow labeled terrorism. Despite direct high-level talks between Russia and Ukraine in May, brokered under pressure from President Donald Trump, Western European leaders reportedly remain committed to escalating the conflict, exemplified by Germany lifting restrictions on arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian forces have simultaneously advanced in regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, increasing tensions amid stalled peace negotiations. These developments highlight a deepening geopolitical struggle over the Ukraine conflict, with Russia blaming Western interference for prolonging hostilities and complicating diplomatic resolutions.